This version adds audio support to iCam for Android, just as iCam 1.1 did for the iPhone when it was originally released.

Since Android does not yet support the same advanced audio streaming capabilities as iOS, users will need to download the latest version of the iCamSource (version 2.2 or later) to their Mac or Windows PC and check the “Android” checkbox next to the Audio drop-down list. The audio quality for Android will not be as good as the iOS version, but once Android catches up with Apple, we will update iCam as well.

We will also be leaving the price at $2.99 until the next major update.

This initial version of iCam for Android is truly a "1.0" release: It allows you to stream up to 4 computer webcam video feeds to your Android phone over 3G or WiFi. Sound, notifications and motion events will be included in future updates.

iCam 1.0 for Android is currently available for the reduced price of $2.99 on the Android Market. As features are added to meet the capabilities of the iPhone version, the price will reflect that as well. (The iPhone version currently sells for $4.99 on the App Store.)

We suggest that all iCam users update their iCamSource(s) to version 2.1 or later. The new version of the iCamSource includes:

The ability to connect to multiple (up to 16) webcams or IP cameras from a single instance of the iCamSource. (No more making copies of the application or writing batch files if you have more than one camera.)

The ability to adjust the compression of the video stream to favor better-quality video or a higher frame-rate.

The ability to reduce the frequency that the motion detection processing is performed or even completely disable it to reduce the overall CPU usage on older hardware.

The ability to schedule when the recording of motion events and the sending of push notifications are enabled.

Router auto-configuration that allows most UPnP or NAT-PMP enabled routers to automatically forward the necessary ports when needed.

Support for the higher-resolution images used by iCam 2.0 on the iPad.

We had submitted an update to iChatr early last month to try and address the issue that had caused it to be removed from the App Store shortly after its release. The update was rejected earlier this week, and Apple’s newly-published App Store Review Guidelines seem to contain the reason why:

- Native interface support for the iPad.
- Connect to up to 12 (iPhone) or 16 (iPad) webcams at a time.
- Displays the iCamSource description in the thumbnail view.
- Support for both landscape orientations.
- Universal binary to run on iPhones, iPod touches, and iPads.

Hopefully iCam 2.0 will be available in the App Store within the next week or two.

We received this post today on our discussion forum detailing how a vacationing couple used iCam to help thwart a pair of robbers attempting to break in to their home:

While we were visiting my parents in Connecticut two days ago, my wife received a call from our security company indicating that our monitored Broadview Security alarm had gone off around 3:00 pm that afternoon. At the same time, we both got a text notification that motion had been detected on one of our iCam webcams. We immediately checked the iCam app and, sure enough, two guys were trying to break in to our house – on video. Since she was on the phone with the alarm company, she asked them to send the police right over as I called 911 in Connecticut, who patched me to my local 911.

We watched as they attempted to break one tempered glass door – not once – but three times with a brick. Finally, they threw the brick through the door RIGHT IN FRONT of our iCam. The breaking glass triggered our glass break sensor and the alarm sounded. They then fled.

The police arrived very quickly and surrounded the house and entered with guns drawn as we watched live on our iCams in Connecticut from out iPhones and iPad. The iCam software also broadcasts the audio, which allowed us to hear the officers announced themselves as the alarm sounded. It was surreal.

My wife and I really think this iCam iPhone software along with our Broadview alarm thwarted this attempted robbery of our house.

Vince and Janet – happy SKJM iCam customers

We also like to watch our cats, too, but hey, we’ll watch burglars as well.

Many thanks to Vince and Janet for their forum post and video of the action!

UPDATE : With the release of iCam 1.3.1, we have concluded beta testing. Thank you to all of our testers!

We are finishing up work on the next version of iCam that contains a major overhaul of the “zero-config” connection logic that allows iCam to connect from both WiFi and 3G without having to open ports in your firewall or forward ports in your router.

We are looking for users from all over the world to help us fine-tune this new release, so if you would like to help, please check out the details here.